9 Worst Jobs for Your Joints

Any job that requires you to make the same motions day after day, year after year, puts you at increased risk for arthritis. This means arthritis symptoms strike people in fields from manufacturing to music if they don't take arthritis prevention strategies seriously.

"Anything that puts unhealthy strains or stresses on the joints can cause arthritis," says Erik Gall, MD, professor of clinical medicine in the rheumatology section and interim director of the Arizona Arthritis Center at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson.

Arthritis prevention depends on the instrument. For example, a violinist might need to relearn how to hold a bow to reduce strain on the wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

Teachers

Teachers and a multitude of other professionals stay on their feet all day. For this group of professionals, foot arthritis is a real concern, Gall says.

"Get good footwear," he advises for foot arthritis prevention. That means flat or low-heeled shoes that provide support all around the foot and under the arch. Doing your job in high heels every day is painful and can increase arthritis risk because of the uneven pressure on parts of your foot, which leads to bunions and stress on the many joints in your foot.

Lumber Workers

Strategies to prevent arthritis include learning how to lift correctly, encouraging employees to stay fit and healthy (which helps reduce strain on joints), and making changes in work assignments to avoid aggravating an existing back injury and arthritis symptoms.

"The industry is aware of the issues and cuts down on risk where possible," Gall adds.

Fortunately, there are arthritis prevention strategies that are tailored to the specific sport. For example, professional basketball players often have to learn how to fall on their buttocks so that they don't injure their wrists, he says.

Dancers

Ankles and hips are likely candidates for arthritis symptoms as ballet dancers get older, for example. Staying fit, taking good care of joints, and taking time to heal after any injuries are the best arthritis prevention strategies.

"With elite musicians, athletes, and dancers, you can't just tell them to stop doing what they do," observes Gall.

Textile Workers

For example, people who must frequently reach overhead as part of a production line routine are likely to develop arthritis from shoulder to hand. Good posture, learning correct motions, and taking breaks or doing alternative tasks can help ease the stress on joints and limit arthritis symptoms.

Truck Drivers

Though romanticized as the owners of the long-distance road, truck drivers are also at increased risk for arthritis. Heavy lifting and poor posture both contribute to higher rates of back arthritis.

There are arthritis prevention strategies that can help mitigate risk though. For example, learning good posture, shifting position often, and using devices such as dollies to do the lifting and moving of goods can all help with arthritis prevention.

Health Care Workers

Nurses and paramedics often have to carry or half-carry heavy loads: patients. Carrying heavy weight not only causes back pain, but also increases the risk for knee arthritis. Fortunately, the health care industry has made many accommodations for injury and arthritis prevention.

To avoid arthritis symptoms, health care workers should always take advantage of rolling gurneys, wheelchairs, and the assistance of other workers before trying to lift and carry patients on their own.

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